THE Empire Cinema site is being threatened with a compulsory purchase order by Ealing Council as it starts looking for potential new buyers.

After months of repeatedly calling on Empire to begin construction on the site, which has been in disrepair for four years, the council has run out of patience.

Leader Julian Bell said: “We’ve given Empire more than enough time to begin construction and now it’s too late. The land is ‘for sale’.

“The disused site is an eyesore and we need to bring it back to life.”

Developers are invited to submit expressions of interest, to work with the council on acquiring and developing the old cinema site in Ealing Broadway by October 19.

After entering into an agreement with a selected developer, the council will apply for a CPO, which would force Empire to transfer ownership of the land.

The developer will be required to meet all costs associated with acquiring the 1.9 acre site and will be required to construct a new cinema complex.